Ebonyi State Government has sealed four mining companies in Afikpo and Ishielu Local Government Areas of the State for failing to adhere strictly to the Community Development Agreement (CDA).

The agreement mandated mining companies to implement social responsibility programmes which will help in the development of the host communities and also ensure environmental protection from hazards occasioned by their activities.

The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia, led the operation to seal the premises of the affected companies.

He explained that the companies were given enough time since July last year to meet the CDA requirements but alleged that the companies chose to ignore the rules and directive of the state government.

The affected companies include Anli Mining and Investment Ltd, Ukpa Afikpo LGA; China Solid Rock 1 and 2 in Ngodo Amachi, Afikpo LGA; and Shenglong Mining Company in Ezillo, Ishielu LGA.

The Commissioner also expressed regret that the company over 10 local workers at the China Solid Rock 2 site were laid off in further violation of the mining regulations.

Onyia said the sites would remain closed until the companies agree to follow the government’s directives.

“Ebonyi people are being treated like they have no value. The mining act clearly states that every miner must prepare a CDA that benefits the community, but most mining companies in Ebonyi have ignored this.

“The land belongs to the people, and even though these companies have leases from the federal government, they must ensure the community benefits from their operations.”

At the Shenglong Mining site, Onyia criticised and described the company’s development agreement as fraudulent.

“The agreement Shenglong provided is fraudulent. There are clear procedures and templates for developing a CDA. How can a company of this size justify that the community’s only benefit is one million naira annually?

“We have companies here in Ebonyi that are constructing tarred roads for their host communities. Why is Shenglong different?” he asked.

However, the Commissioner assured that the government will continue to monitor mining activities to ensure that all companies follow the law.

“Any company found breaking the rules will be sealed as well,” Onyia warned.

General Manager of Anli Mining and Investment Ltd, George Li, while speaking on the development, promised to work with the government to resolve the issue.